Mesoblast's stem cell trials show sustained heart function improvement

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., Sept. 20 -Mesoblast, Ltd. reported positive initial results of clinical adult stem cell trials for the treatment of heart disease being conducted in conjunction with its U.S.-based sister company, Angioblast Systems, Inc.

The Melbourne, Australia-based adult stem cell company said it and Angioblast are conducting a pilot clinical trial in Australia focused upon the treatment of up to 10 patients suffering from severe coronary artery disease and heart muscle damage.

Cells used in this trial are autologous, or the patients' own cells, which have been selected and cultured using the company's proprietary technology, according to a company news release.

"Interim results from our clinical trial at the John Hunter Hospital in Australia have shown that heart function has improved in each of the patients treated so far," Mesoblast chief scientific adviser Silviu Itescu said in the release.

In up to six months of follow-up after the patients' cells were implanted into their damaged heart muscle, each of the first three patients treated had demonstrated improvement in global heart function of 20% to 60% relative to baseline, as determined by serial echocardiograms.

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